Swiss PCN (RPC): Mandatory Notification of Hazardous Mixtures from 2026
As of 1 January 2026, Switzerland will require companies to notify hazardous mixtures through the system known as Notification Switzerland (RPC). This system serves as the Swiss equivalent of the EU Poison Centre Notification (PCN), while being fully embedded in national legislation.
This new obligation falls under the Chemical Products Ordinance (ChemO) and aims to ensure that authorities and poison control centres receive accurate and up-to-date information in case of incidents, poisonings, or accidental exposure.
Who must notify hazardous mixtures in Switzerland??
In practice, the RPC notification requirement applies to:
- Manufacturers and importers placing hazardous mixtures on the Swiss market
- Non-Swiss companies marketing products in Switzerland, which must appoint a Swiss-based commercial representative
- Mixtures classified as hazardous to human health, presenting physical hazards, or posing risks to the environment
Consequently, most hazardous chemical mixtures must be notified, as Swiss legislation does not provide for general volume exemptions.
What information must an RPC notification contain?
The Swiss RPC requires a level of detail comparable to the EU PCN under Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation. Notifications must include structured and comprehensive data that allows authorities and toxicology centres to quickly and accurately identify a mixture in emergency situations.
Specifically, mandatory information includes:
- Product identifiers, including a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) valid for Switzerland
- Intended user category (consumer, professional, or industrial)
- Annual volumes placed on the Swiss market
- Market withdrawal date, if the product is discontinued
- Full mixture composition, including substances and concentration ranges
- Classification and labelling elements, in line with Swiss regulatory requirements
- Intended use, describing the product’s function and application scope
Therefore, consistency between the RPC notification, the product label and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is critical to avoid rejections, delays or regulatory non‑compliance.
Key differences between EU PCN and Swiss RPC
Although the Swiss RPC is closely aligned with the EU PCN requirements, there are nevertheless important differences to take into account:
- Notifications are submitted via the Swiss RPC system, not the ECHA portal
- UFI management must follow Swiss-specific rules
- The obligation is embedded within national legislation (ChemO), alongside other Swiss regulatory requirements
As a result, companies already compliant with EU PCN obligations should proactively review and adapt their processes before placing hazardous mixtures on the Swiss market.
How to efficiently comply with Swiss RPC requirements
Preparing an RPC notification therefore requires accurate alignment between formulation data, classification, UFI management, and regulatory documentation. Even minor inconsistencies can lead to rejected submissions or compliance risks.
👉 ExESS includes a dedicated module for Swiss PCN (RPC) notifications, enabling centralized management of mixture data, automated generation and validation of required information to align with Swiss regulatory requirements. This helps companies reduce errors, streamline preparation, and save valuable time.
With the new Swiss obligation approaching, robust tools and well-defined processes will be essential to ensure compliance.
Interested in learning how we can support your Swiss RPC notifications? Book a demo today.